Menu
24/05/2005
Trials for prostate cancer drugs announced
Scientists have announced that they are testing new drugs that could be used to treat advanced prostate cancer.
Currently, advanced prostate cancer is treated with hormone therapy. However, this only works for a short period of time, after which there are few other options for the patient, apart from palliative care. The average survival rate after hormone treatment ceases to work is usually around 18 months.
However, scientists and doctors at the Institute of Cancer Research, in conjunction with the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, have announced that they are investigating multiple ways to reverse hormone resistance by testing several new drugs in laboratory and clinical trials.
Scientists say that prostate cancer sufferers have been missing out on drug developments, because drugs for other cancers are developed against specific targets, but because scientists do not fully understand how prostate cancer develops, drugs are rarely developed specifically to treat the disease.
It has been difficult to discover the genetic causes of hormone resistant prostate cancer, because it has been hard to get cancer cells from patients, because of the nature of the spread of the disease. However, patients involved in the new drug trials are having cancer cells removed and grown in the laboratory to identify molecular pathways and new targets for drug treatment.
Twenty-five new drugs are being evaluated as part of the trials, which are currently focused on hormone-resistant patients, with end-stage advanced prostate cancer, where hormone therapy has ceased to be effective.
Dr Johann de Bono, Team Leader and Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust said: “These initiatives will ensure that in the future drug targets can be discovered and new anti-cancer drugs developed specifically for prostate cancer and that current drug discoveries are translated into real benefits for prostate cancer patients as rapidly as possible.”
The announcement of the drug trials coincides with the launch of the Institute’s Everyman Male Cancer Awareness Month, which runs throughout June.
Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in UK men, with around 30,000 cases diagnosed each year.
(KMcA/SP)
Currently, advanced prostate cancer is treated with hormone therapy. However, this only works for a short period of time, after which there are few other options for the patient, apart from palliative care. The average survival rate after hormone treatment ceases to work is usually around 18 months.
However, scientists and doctors at the Institute of Cancer Research, in conjunction with the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, have announced that they are investigating multiple ways to reverse hormone resistance by testing several new drugs in laboratory and clinical trials.
Scientists say that prostate cancer sufferers have been missing out on drug developments, because drugs for other cancers are developed against specific targets, but because scientists do not fully understand how prostate cancer develops, drugs are rarely developed specifically to treat the disease.
It has been difficult to discover the genetic causes of hormone resistant prostate cancer, because it has been hard to get cancer cells from patients, because of the nature of the spread of the disease. However, patients involved in the new drug trials are having cancer cells removed and grown in the laboratory to identify molecular pathways and new targets for drug treatment.
Twenty-five new drugs are being evaluated as part of the trials, which are currently focused on hormone-resistant patients, with end-stage advanced prostate cancer, where hormone therapy has ceased to be effective.
Dr Johann de Bono, Team Leader and Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust said: “These initiatives will ensure that in the future drug targets can be discovered and new anti-cancer drugs developed specifically for prostate cancer and that current drug discoveries are translated into real benefits for prostate cancer patients as rapidly as possible.”
The announcement of the drug trials coincides with the launch of the Institute’s Everyman Male Cancer Awareness Month, which runs throughout June.
Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in UK men, with around 30,000 cases diagnosed each year.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 November 2004
Report highlights successful fight against prostate cancer
Men with prostate cancer are being seen more quickly and receiving better care according to a new report out today. The report sets out progress made following the publication of the NHS Prostate Cancer programme four years ago.
Report highlights successful fight against prostate cancer
Men with prostate cancer are being seen more quickly and receiving better care according to a new report out today. The report sets out progress made following the publication of the NHS Prostate Cancer programme four years ago.
25 September 2009
Screening For Prostate Cancer 'Remains Controversial'
There is not enough evidence to support routine prostate cancer screening. Two papers published on bmj.com today conclude that there is insufficient evidence to support population-wide screening for prostate cancer using the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test.
Screening For Prostate Cancer 'Remains Controversial'
There is not enough evidence to support routine prostate cancer screening. Two papers published on bmj.com today conclude that there is insufficient evidence to support population-wide screening for prostate cancer using the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test.
16 May 2012
New Info Revises Opinion On Cancer Drug
A prostate cancer drug should be given to NHS patients, a health watchdog has said. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) revised its recommendations on the drug Abiratone after fresh information from the manufacturer, Janssen. Experts have welcomed the draft guidance.
New Info Revises Opinion On Cancer Drug
A prostate cancer drug should be given to NHS patients, a health watchdog has said. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) revised its recommendations on the drug Abiratone after fresh information from the manufacturer, Janssen. Experts have welcomed the draft guidance.
31 October 2005
Call for action on prostate cancer
The leaders of the three main political parties have issued a joint call for greater action to tackle the problem of prostate cancer. Prime Minister Tony Blair, Conservative leader Michael Howard and Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy have all recorded messages of support for the Prostate Cancer Charter for Action.
Call for action on prostate cancer
The leaders of the three main political parties have issued a joint call for greater action to tackle the problem of prostate cancer. Prime Minister Tony Blair, Conservative leader Michael Howard and Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy have all recorded messages of support for the Prostate Cancer Charter for Action.
29 July 2010
£50M Fund For Cancer Drugs Announced
Cancer patients are set to get greater access to cancer drugs recommended by their doctors as a result of a new £50 million fund, the government has announced.
£50M Fund For Cancer Drugs Announced
Cancer patients are set to get greater access to cancer drugs recommended by their doctors as a result of a new £50 million fund, the government has announced.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
